Today’s Poetry

Worth

described as value
prized, cherished, treasured

who sets the price?
who determines worth?

our measure a reflection
the opinion
of those around us
husbands, wives, friends, employers
they set the price
diminish us
to enhance their own value

we accept this assessment
as if their scales are true
never complaining
grateful that our appraisal
gives us merit

but who set the appraisers’ value?
where does their skill come from?
they’ve no more worthiness
than the one who set their price

before you were born
you were given value
a measure beyond the stars
with skills and dreams and purchase
far beyond the greatest galaxy

can the stars move an inch on their own?
does the tide refuse its task?
your gift is the gift of choice
to set your own price
and through time and maturity
to bring your value into its fullness

Copyright 2026 by Jose Antonio Ponce